Copy of painting in the caves of Ajanta (cave 6)
1878
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1878
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
John Griffiths painted a copy of an ancient Ajanta cave painting in oil. His work shows Buddha’s life scenes in bright, soft colors. The originals are 2,000 years old but still vivid. Many artists tried to copy Ajanta’s murals after they were found in 1819. A fire destroyed earlier copies, so Griffiths finished the job in the 1870s. This painting feels close to Impressionism, with loose brushwork and light colors. See how the figures almost blend into the background. Impressionism
